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Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Hit by pitch

• Green: Colors you might see in a car race

• Blue: Won four basketball championships together

• Purple: Athletes that share a first name

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Hit batter with a pitch

• Green: Flags in NASCAR

• Blue: Members of Warriors dynasty

• Purple: Steve ______

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #102 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Hit a batter with a pitch - BEAN, DRILL, HIT, PLUNK

• Flags in NASCAR - CHECKERED, RED, WHITE, YELLOW

• Members of Warriors dynasty- CURRY, GREEN, KERR, THOMPSON

• Steve _______ - CARLTON, MCNAIR, PREFONTAINE, YZERMAN

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 3 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 3 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: On auto

These words are outer pieces of a car.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are parts of an automobile.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is CarBody.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for January 3

• Hood

• Mirror

• Trunk

• Windshield

• Door

• Bumper

• Grille

• Car Body

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for January 3 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for January 3, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Opposite of expensive.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

CHEAP.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 3

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for January 3 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Below the ankle

• Green: A Washington

• Blue: Mario's favorites

• Purple: Same first name

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Parts of a foot

• Green: One dollar

• Blue: Kinds of mushrooms

• Purple: Pot ___

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #573 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Parts of a foot: ARCH, BALL, HEEL, SOLE

• One dollar: BUCK, CLAM, SINGLE, SMACKER

• Kinds of mushrooms: BUTTON, MOREL, OYSTER, TRUMPET

• Pot ___: BELLY, HOLE, LUCK, STICKER

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 3

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Turo, which investigators say was used to acquire the vehicles involved in the attack in New Orleans and explosion in Las Vegas, was emerging as an alternative car-rental service.

Apple has agreed to pay $95 million in a class-action settlement alleging that private Siri conversations were inadvertently recorded and listened to by third-party contractors.

If U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White approves the proposed settlement, filed on Tuesday in Oakland, CA, federal court, users impacted will receive up to $20 per Apple device with Siri, such as the iPhone and Apple Watch.

SEE ALSO: New evidence claims Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon could be listening to you on your devices

The lawsuit centers around customer complaints that Siri was unintentionally activated and a 2019 report from a whistleblower via The Guardian that Apple contractors heard voice recordings while testing for quality control. This included "confidential medical information, drug deals, and recordings of couples having sex," according to the investigation. Siri is only supposed to activate upon hearing the wake word "hey Siri," but there were reported instances of Siri being triggered by other things — such as the sound of a zipper, an Apple Watch being raised in a certain way, and hearing a voice.

Apple users claimed private conversations were recorded and then shared with third-party advertisers. They would then see ads for products mentioned in certain conversations and even a surgical treatment after discussing it with their doctor. Apple subsequently issued a formal apology and said it would no longer save voice recordings.

SEE ALSO: 'LLM Siri' aims to rival ChatGPT — but don’t expect it until iOS 19

The lawsuit spans the time period from Sept. 17, 2014, to Dec. 31, 2024. In order for Apple users to claim their part of the settlement, they must submit a claim for up to five Apple devices with Siri (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, iMac, HomePod, iPod touch, or Apple TV) and swear under oath that they inadvertently activated Siri "during a conversation intended to be confidential or private," said the settlement proposal.

Apple isn't the only company in trouble for privacy violations incurred by voice assistants. Google is in the midst of a similar class-action lawsuit regarding Google Assistant being triggered without its wake words.

Joel Kaplan, who was a former senior adviser to George W. Bush, replaces Nick Clegg, who was a former deputy prime minister of Britain, as Meta’s head of policy.

If you're interested in the latest gaming, monitors, or gaming monitors, you probably have your eyes peeled for the releases we'll see at CES, the nations biggest spectacle of gadgets.

Every year we get a whole host of sleek, sometimes translucent, sometimes curved, always new gaming monitors in January. This year, we're on the lookout for a few futuristic gaming monitors from LG and Samsung — and more previews are sure to drop soon.

LG's bendable gaming monitors

LG Electronics is set to present its new UltraGear GX9 series at CES 2025, with a lineup that includes two 45-inch 21:9 gaming monitors, the 45GX990A and 45GX950A, boasting ultra-high 5K2K resolution for immersive gameplay. With these monitors, we should expect enhanced screen real estate and better compatibility — plus customizable options through Dual-Mode, allowing users to adjust aspect ratios and picture sizes. And it's curved, which, LG says, can reduce eye strain and make gaming more comfortable.

SEE ALSO: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5000: Details, launch date rumors as CES 2025 looms

The new UltraGear OLED Bendable Gaming Monitor is the first of its kind to feature a bendable 5K2K-resolution OLED display. LG says you can transition it from a flat screen to a 900R curvature in seconds. YS Lee, the VP and head of LG Media Entertainment’s IT Business Unit, said in a press release ahead of CES 2025 that "the GX9 lineup pushes the boundaries to deliver maximum value and enjoyment for our customers."

Samsung takes on AI and OLED gaming

Samsung announced its new Odyssey OLED G81SF and Odyssey OLED G60SF, both of which are 27-inch 4K monitors. The Odyssey OLED G81SF has a maximum refresh rate of 240Hz, an impressive response time of 0.03ms, and a display free of glare. According to Samsung, "The Odyssey OLED G8 (G81SF model) is the first 27” 4K (3,840 x 2,160) OLED gaming monitor in the world."

In comparison, the Odyssey OLED G60SF is the "first-ever OLED screen with a 500Hz refresh rate," Samsung says. The company will also be showcasing the Odyssey 3D G90XF gaming monitor at CES, a customizable 3D experience that doesn't require the user to wear 3D glasses.

And while the Smart Monitor M90SF isn't specifically made for gaming, it does feature some industry-first on-device AI features that "analyzes input signals to determine the type of content being viewed... and automatically adjust the display settings for the best visual experience." For gamers, it'll be able to fine-turn the picture settings and make the experience more immersive — but it's also being billed as a great video and productivity tool.

After nearly two decades of fighting, the battle over regulations that treat broadband providers like utilities came to an end on Thursday.

We geeks are a passionate bunch. We'll happily spend hours dissecting the latest superhero movie or Star Wars series, but ask us to decode dating signals, and we're lost. Our love language might be quoting obscure anime, and our idea of a perfect date might involve tabletop games and cosplay, but finding someone who gets that? That's a challenge.

For nerdy women, dating means sifting through profiles of guys who think "gamer girl" is a personality (or creeps chasing their Manic Pixie Dream Elf-girl fantasy). For men, it's the struggle to express your love for all things nerdy without scaring off potential partners or, worse, being labeled "that guy."

SEE ALSO: The best dating apps for introverts who prefer books to bars Is there a dating site for nerds?

"For folks looking for a partner that shares their same nerdy interests and passions, the best thing to do is to join a platform with a robust algorithm like eharmony, and include your specific interests in your profile," Kiana Reeves, Somatic Sex Educator, Intimacy Coach, and Chief Education Officer at Foria, tells Mashable. "You can also opt for a platform more frequented by young people, like Bumble, Tinder, and Hinge, and make sure your bio and photos indicate your interests and values — this will help you more easily sift through and attract potential matches who are interested in the same things."

You might notice we no longer recommend geek-specific sites like Soul Geek, Gamer Dating, and Dating for Muggles). Sadly, these platforms haven't kept up with the times and are feeling a bit... well, dated. (You can get the full scoop in our 'How we tested' section below.) So, which apps and dating sites are worth trying? We've got you covered.

The top dating apps for geeks and nerds Instead of niche dating apps, try mainstream apps with in-depth profiles or matching algorithms. Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable

We compared the internet's top dating sites, trendy swiping apps, and geek-specific platforms to pinpoint the ones where you can proudly fly your nerd flag. With the best dating sites for geeks, you might just find that special someone who shares your obscure passions. We're talking about someone who'll happily debate the merits of Pokémon Emerald vs. Scarlet/Violet or create the perfect couples cosplay for the next Comic-Con. The best part? These platforms are all easily accessible via the App Store and Google Play Store.

Just remember this: Even if a potential match doesn't share your specific hobby or interest, they could still be the right partner for you. Don't fall for this common geek relationship fallacy. The most important thing is that they respect your nerdy obsessions, and you respect theirs.

SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know

Here are the best dating apps for nerds, geeks, and anyone else who isn't afraid to be their unfiltered self:

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle embraces her inner Martha Stewart in the trailer for her upcoming Netflix lifestyle series With Love, Meghan. It's the latest project to come from her and Prince Harry's streaming deal with Netflix; other releases include 2022 docuseries Harry and Meghan and 2024 docuseries Polo.

SEE ALSO: 2025 TV preview: All the TV shows you need to know, and where to stream them

With Love, Meghan's trailer sees the Duchess of Sussex sharing her "little tips and tricks" about everything from cooking for friends to buying and arranging flowers. You can also expect several high-profile guest appearances, including Mindy Kaling, Prince Harry himself, and perhaps most importantly, the royals' dear beagle, named Guy.

With Love, Meghan premieres Jan. 15 on Netflix.

GET $100.99 OFF: Jan. 2, get the iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Q0120 for $149 and save $101 or 40%.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Q0120 $149.00 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $100.99 Get Deal

If a cleaner home is at the top of your list of New Years Resolutions then this iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum sale is not to be missed. Vacuuming invites procrastination the same way that carpets invite dust accumulation. This robot vacuum is the antidote.

The iRobot Roomba Essential Vac is an advanced robot vacuum system. Get it for $149 and save 40%, or $101.

SEE ALSO: The best robot vacuums in 2024

Delegate vacuuming to your robot assistant and find that your floors are sparkling clean. The Roomba uses smart detection to avoid antique chairs, flower pots, and sleeping pets. It has a three stage cleaning system that can adapt to different surfaces like rugs and hardwood.

Self charging, the Roomba returns to its pen to station to top up the battery when it gets low. Three power levels allow you to tell it whether to prioritize power or a quiet, unobtrusive cleaning job.

Take advantage of this iRobot Roomba Essential Vac deal and get the vacuum for $149 for a savings of $101 or 40%.

A low profile means this vacuum doesn't just stick to wide open floors. It will also slip under beds and couches to dispense with those pesky dust bunnies that hide in the shadows.

While the Essential Vac makes vacuuming automatic, it also gives you the controls you need to supervise. Use the iRobot Home App to dictate how your robot vacuum navigates cleaning your home.

Nvidia is kicking off CES with a big keynote next week, and everyone is pretty sure they know at least one thing that's going to be announced.

SEE ALSO: CES 2025: 5 car trends we expect to see

When the PC hardware company takes the stage on Jan. 6, it's widely expected that Nvidia will lift the veil on the GeForce RTX 5000 series of graphics cards. There are multiple reasons to believe this. One is that Nvidia's graphics card business has contributed to an explosion in market value over the past year or so thanks to AI deals with companies like OpenAI and Meta. Another is that the recent reveal trailer for The Witcher IV straight-up said it was "pre-rendered in Unreal Engine 5 on an unannounced Nvidia GeForce RTX GPU."

Now, according to at least one source, we might know when the first RTX 5000-series card will be available to consumers. According to a now-deleted X post by the Hong Kong outlet HKEPC (via Video Cardz), the first RTX 5000 card could launch on or around Jan. 21. It's expected that this will be the RTX 5080, with 5070 and 5090 models to come later, per PCGamesN.

According to PCGamesN, the new card is expected to be around 50 percent faster than the RTX 4090. It will also have GDDR7 RAM, which will give the 5000-series cards much higher transfer speeds than their predecessors.

Tweet may have been deleted

Given all of the circumstantial evidence (plus the fact that Nvidia's official GeForce X account is promoting the keynote address), it seems very likely that the 5000-series cards will show up at CES. And while this is just one source that could very well be wrong, don't be shocked if the official release date is sometime in January.

SAVE $470: As of Jan. 2, get the Ecovacs Cube Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop for $329.99 at Best Buy, down from its usual price of $799.99. That's a discount of 61%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Ecovacs Cube Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop $329.99 at Best Buy
$799.99 Save $470.00 Get Deal

If one of your New Year's resolutions was to delegate more of your everyday tasks to robots, you've probably already been considering a robot vacuum or other device to make things easier. If you don't have one in mind, we've got an excellent suggestion to make that'll save you both serious time and money, and we're only two days into the new year!

As of Jan. 2, you can get the Ecovacs Cube Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop for $329.99 at Best Buy, down from its usual price of $799.99. That's a savings of $470 and a discount of 61%.

SEE ALSO: These are the best self-emptying robot vacuums that make life easier

This robot vacuum and mop combo makes it easier than ever to clean up messes, whether you're dealing with carpet or hard flooring throughout your home. It's a high-efficiency vacuum with laser-based avoidance tracking that can map your home and uses the same 3D scanning as advanced facial recognition tech so it can avoid running over cords or bumping into other obstacles. It uses 5100 Pa of suction power to then suck up debris and dirt across hard floors and carpets.

But it also has a mopping system that delivers 2,500 vibrations per minute and an 1,000mL water tank that means it can clean longer and with ease. Its self-washing system has a built-in scrubber that helps you attack dirt and grime, and then it squeezes out the dirty water for a more complete clean. It's all about making things more convenient for you. And it's so hands-off that it's actually quite easy to set it and forget it as it goes about all its household tasks.

If you want an advanced home robot to clean things up, you won't want to miss out on this particular model. Grab it while it's hot.

New Year's Day has come and gone, which means Pornhub is now blocked in 16 U.S. states.

The site blocked itself from almost all of the American South, as 404 Media put it, as a response to age-verification laws. These are state requirements to submit ID to access websites where over a third of the content hosted is explicit. Louisiana started the trend of passing age-verification bills two years ago; others have followed suit. As of January 1, such laws in Florida and South Carolina have gone into effect.

SEE ALSO: How to access porn for free

While Pornhub is not blocked in Louisiana, it is blocked in 16 states, a Pornhub representative confirmed to Mashable:

• Alabama

• Arkansas

• Florida

• Idaho

• Indiana

• Kansas

• Kentucky

• Mississippi

• Montana

• Nebraska

• North Carolina

• Oklahoma

• South Carolina

• Texas

• Utah

• Virginia

In Louisiana, where users must submit ID to view Pornhub, the site has seen traffic decline around 80 percent, Aylo (Pornhub's parent company) told Mashable.

"These people did not stop looking for porn. They just migrated to darker corners of the internet that don't ask users to verify age, that don't follow the law, that don't take user safety seriously, and that often don't even moderate content. In practice, the laws have just made the internet more dangerous for adults and children," Aylo stated.

In a statement to Mashable, Aylo continued:

First, to be clear, Aylo has publicly supported age verification of users for years, but we believe that any law to this effect must preserve user safety and privacy, and must effectively protect children from accessing content intended for adults.

Unfortunately, the way many jurisdictions worldwide have chosen to implement age verification is ineffective, haphazard, and dangerous. Any regulations that require hundreds of thousands of adult sites to collect significant amounts of highly sensitive personal information is putting user safety in jeopardy. Moreover, as experience has demonstrated, unless properly enforced, users will simply access non-compliant sites or find other methods of evading these laws.

Industry experts say age-verification laws don't work because they are easily circumvented with VPNs. They also raise concerns about privacy protection and safety, since websites will now have to host (even more of) people's personal information. It will be harder to be anonymous online, which experts warn is dangerous to free speech. Adult industry experts Mashable spoke to in an explainer on age-verification laws advocated for device-level filters, as did Aylo in its statement.

Some in the adult industry worry about what Trump's second presidential term will bring due to the conservative policy outline Project 2025 and its measure to ban porn. One of Project 2025's authors, Russell Vought, was caught on a secret recording stating that age-verification laws are the "back door" to a broader porn ban.

Tennessee's age-verification law, which was supposed to be enacted on January 1, has been blocked following a preliminary injunction by the adult industry trade organization the Free Speech Coalition. Because of this, Pornhub hasn't blocked Tennessee.

The Free Speech Coalition has also challenged age-verification laws in other states, including Florida, Indiana, and Texas. In the latter, Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, a Texas district court initially blocked the law, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit upheld it. The Supreme Court will hear the case on January 15, deciding whether Texas's age-verification law violates the First Amendment.

The U.S. government has put the final touches on a sweeping rule that bans foreign access to Americans' bulk sensitive data, carrying out a Feb. 2024 Executive Order from President Joe Biden.

The order creates a new regulatory national security program, overseen by the U.S. Department of Justice, designated with preventing the transfer and exploitation of bulk personal data and certain U.S. government-related data abroad. It targets known "countries of concern," including China (Hong Kong and Macau), Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela, and aims to limit their ability to use bulk data for cyber espionage and influence campaigns — or to build U.S citizen profiles used for social engineering and identity theft.

SEE ALSO: CES 2025: Exhibitors, dates, ticket prices, and everything else you must know

Certain types of data are expressly prohibited from being transferred under the new regulation, such as personal identifiers, biometric data like facial scans and voice prints, and precise geolocation data. The rules also designate classes of prohibited, restricted, and exempt data transactions, whether through direct purchase or other commercial means.

"Countries of concern and covered persons can also exploit this data to collect information on activists, academics, journalists, dissidents, political opponents, or members of nongovernmental organizations or marginalized communities to intimidate them; curb political opposition; limit freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, or association; or enable other forms of suppression of civil liberties," the Justice Department writes, warning also of the use of bulk sensitive data to develop more sophisticated artificial intelligence and algorithms at greater national security risk.

The U.S. government has been investing more regulatory might into data privacy, with aims to more intensely monitor and limit the passage of Americans' sensitive personal data abroad. The Biden administration's TikTok ban, which forces the popular social media platform to divest from its China-owned parent company on the grounds of national security, is currently being considered by the Supreme Court, which will hear oral arguments on Jan. 10. President-elect Donald Trump has recently reversed his stance on banning the platform.

In December, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced a new set of proposed rules that would limit the ability of data brokers to sell individuals' personal and financial data, recategorizing data brokerage under the same oversight as credit bureaus and background check companies.

The new Justice Department limits come amid several high-profile espionage attempts by foreign nations and actors, including a recent U.S. Treasury breach by China-backed hackers that overrode internal security systems and accessed unclassified documents. The breach was announced on the heels of a string of cyberattacks infiltrating users' personal data stored by major telecommunications companies — another China-linked hacking network known as Salt Typhoon.

SEE ALSO: Healthcare giant admits over 5 million patients affected by ransomware attack

SAVE UP TO 81%: The Peloton App One is on sale for just $2.49/month for your first two months, down from the typical price of $12.99/month. The Peloton App+ is just $4.99/month for your first two months, instead of the usual price of $24/month.

Peloton App deals Basic app deal Peloton App One $2.49/month for two months (save $10.50/month) Get Deal Advanced app deal Peloton App+ $4.99/month for two months (save $19.01/month) Get Deal

Ready to tackle fitness goals in 2025 but don't know where to start? You could sign up for a gym membership, hire a personal trainer, or join in local workout classes. Or you could enlist the help of the incredibly knowledgeable trainer on the Peloton app and workout from the comfort of your home. What's more, both versions of the app are on a steep discount to ring in the new year.

Until Jan. 30, the Peloton App One is on sale for just $2.49/month for your first two months, down from the normal price of $12.99/month. The upgraded version, the Peloton App+, is on sale for $4.99/month instead of the usual price of $24/month. These discounts mean you'll be saving 81% on the Peloton App One and 79% on the Peloton App+.

SEE ALSO: Bowflex's coveted adjustable dumbbells are $150 off at Amazon for a limited time

Let's be honest — Peloton workout equipment is expensive. We're talking over $1,000 for a stationary bike, rowing machine, or treadmill. For some people, the cost is completely worth the benefits. After all, our health is a vital part of being alive. But if you're not looking to shell out major money on fitness equipment, you might be interested in the Peloton app. Surprisingly, it doesn't even require you to own a single piece of Peloton workout equipment.

The Peloton App One is designed to help out with creating a regular workout routine. The app is covers over 10 workout class types, including strength, yoga, meditation, outdoor running, and more. You'll have access to over 55 professional instructors to find what suits your style and goals best. You also get to select three workouts per months, choosing from exercise bike, treadmill, or rower options, plus access to plenty of other step-by-step gym workouts. Again, you can do these on any bike, treadmill, or rower, not just Peloton-branded equipment.

The upgraded Peloton App+ includes everything you get from the Peloton App One but also includes access to the Strength+ App should you be looking to gain muscle or build a strength-training routine. It comes with access to exclusive classes and instead of being limited to three workouts per month, you get unlimited access.

Former Mashable Shopping Editor Jae Thomas tried out the Peloton App and awarded it a 4.5 out of 5, saying, "After trying almost every kind of workout the Peloton app has to offer, I'd say that the monthly digital membership is an amazing deal for the price."

If you're interested in tackling fitness goals this year, sign up for the discounted Peloton App One or Peloton App+ and get access to thousands of workouts, finding one that fits your exact style.

Proving you're human with a CAPTCHA test has never been more fun.

Frontend development company Vercel used created Doom-themed CAPTCHA to show off its AI site builder, per TechCrunch.

In order to pass the CAPTCHA, you need to kill three monsters in the popular first-person shooter game. According to the app site, the Doom CAPTCHA is meant for "for educational and entertainment purposes," so don't expect to have to prove your gaming skills every time you want to check your bank account. For that, you'll probably still have to click all the images that have stairs or motorcycles, and probably fail a few times as is the case with most CAPTCHAs.

But this CAPTCHA is just as hard, if not harder. The app has tweaked the settings to make it more challenging, by increasing the speed and bumping the difficulty to "Nightmare" level. Still, judging by the buzz it has generated online, it hasn't stopped people from trying to beat the CAPTCHA and prove they're not robots.

You can try the Doom-themed CAPTCHA for yourself by going to https://doom-captcha.vercel.app/. To pass the CAPTCHA on a desktop, use the arrow keys to aim and the spacebar to shoot. Good luck and happy hunting.

GET $30 OFF: As of Jan. 2, get the Apple Pencil Pro for $99 at Walmart and save $30.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil Pro $99.00 at Walmart
$129.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal

For note-taking or digital illustration, the iPad comes alive with the addition of an Apple Pencil Pro. The Apple Pencil Pro brings even more sensitivity to iPad art, adding new motions and controls to a digital pencil that's already designed for perfect precision.

As of Jan. 2, get the Apple Pencil Pro for $99 at Walmart and save $30. If you were gifted a new iPad Pro for the holidays, this is the perfect accessory. This pen is compatible with the iPad Mini A17 Pro, the M4 iPad Pros, and the M2 iPad Airs.

SEE ALSO: Every foldable iPhone and iPad rumor we've heard so far

Charging with the same magnetic attachment that connects your Apple Pencil Pro to your iPad, this pencil is ready to go when you pick it up. You'll no longer need to plan for inspiration and charge your pencil in advance.

The Apple Pencil Pro adds new controls, including squeezes and barrel rolls. It also adds haptics. Feel shapes snap into place. On select systems, the pencil will now preview lines when held just off the screen.

Take advantage of Walmart's Apple Pencil Pro deal and get it for $99, saving $30.

The Apple Pencil Pro is the perfect way to control iPad art apps like Procreate, to sign documents with your signature script, or to annotate an assignment for school.

TAKE UP TO 68% OFF: Sporty earbuds from brands like Soundcore and Beats are on sale at Amazon today for up to 68% off.

Best fitness-focused earbud deals at Amazon Best overall deal Soundcore Sport X10 earbuds $49.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best fitness earbuds with noise cancellation Amazon Echo Buds $44.99 at Amazon (save $95) Get Deal Best fitness-focused Beats deal Beats Fit Pro $159.99 at Amazon (save $39.96 ) Get Deal

Now that we're over holiday chaos, you might be thinking about what 2025 will have in store. If fitness goals are on your agenda, using a pair of fitness-focused earbuds can truly make a gym workout, run, or a walk far more enjoyable. Image tuning into your audiobook while running a few miles in the park or listening to your favorite amp-up tunes while going for an extra set of overhead presses at the gym.

If you're looking for a pair of workout-worthy earbuds for 2025, these are some of our favorite options on Amazon that also happen to be on sale.

Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Sport X10 earbuds $49.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Fit is always important when it comes to earbuds, but it's especially worth paying attention to when talking about earbuds you'll be wearing when you workout. The Soundcore by Anker Sport X10 earbuds focus on a snug but comfortable fit. The pair typically sells for $79.99 but they're on sale at Amazon today for just $49.99 which also happens to match the lowest price we've seen at Amazon.

The Soundcore Sport X10 earbuds come with a rotating over-the-ear hook that can adjust by 210 degrees, making it easy to find the most comfortable and secure fit. You also get impressive battery life with the Soundcore Sport X10 earbuds which allows you to enjoy up to 32 hours of playtime before you'll need to recharge.

Not only are the earbuds lightweight, the included charging case has a slim design that's easy to carry along in your pocket or gym bag. The case also gives you three full recharges which means you might be able to go weeks before needing to plug the case in.

Best noise-cancelling fitness earbuds Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds $44.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $95.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Noise cancelling earbud technology is truly one of the best gifts us humans have ever received. Don't love the gym's music? No problem. Hate running with the sound of summer cicadas? Sorted. The Amazon Echo Buds with active noise cancellation are a great idea if you're searching for a workout-worthy pair of earbuds that also have this wonderful tech feature.

With IPX4 sweat resistance and a secure fit, the Buds deserve to join you on your next neighborhood run. The pair comes with four sizes of ear tips and two sizes of wing tips so you're likely to find a great fit. They're also 21% smaller than previous version of the Amazon Echo Buds, making them more convenient to cart along on your next gym session.

The Amazon Echo Buds also come with the convenience of Alexa's help. Ask her to make a call for you on the drive home, add a workout class to your calendar, or set a timer so you'll know when your 90-second plank is over.

The Amazon Echo Buds with noise cancellation usually sell for $139.99 but they're on sale at Amazon today for just $44.99 which means you'll be getting an 68% discount.

Best fitness-focused Beats deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Fit Pro $159.99 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $39.96 Get Deal Why we like it

With the reliability of Beats sound quality, the Beats Fit Pro add in the comfort and great fit that you want out of a sporty pair. The wingtip ensures a snug but comfortable experience so you'll be set for taking these from the gym to the office. The IPX-4 sweat and water resistance rating means the Beats Fit Pro are ready for your spin class or for an outdoor walk in rainy winter weather.

Beats allows you to choose between three listening modes with the Beats Fit Pro: active noise cancelling, transparency mode, and adaptive EQ.

In 2021, Mashable reporter Alex Perry reviewed the Beats Fit Pro saying, "Apple may not put its name directly on any Beats products, but the Beats Fit Pro are so much better than the new AirPods that maybe they should start doing that."

With praise like that, it's worth considering the sale price of $159.99 at Amazon which shaves 20% off the normal price of $199.95.